[Answered] What is mob-lynching? What are the various reasons for the rise in mob-lynching incidents in India? Suggest some measures to prevent mob-lynching.

The word lynching originated in the United States in mid 18th century.  Mob lynching is an act of premeditated extrajudicial killing by a group of people, often targeted against a particular individual or group. Mob lynching is based on some false information, unconfirmed rumours etc.  The Supreme Court has aptly described it as a horrendous act of mobocracy.

Reasons for the rise in mob-lynching incidents in India:

• Psychology of mob: Since it is harder to identify the real culprits when people attack in groups, people have less fear of being punished. Also there is dispersion of guilt and responsibility\
• Lack of belief in police and administration: The mob feel that they have a huge responsibility to society and police or any administrative body cannot do justice to that responsibility.
• Discrimination based on communal lines: the increasing hatred on the communal and religious lines.
• Political patronage: The culture of political mobilization based on social fault lines for polarization of people and to vote banks has become popular in country.
• Misinformation and propaganda news: intentional setting up of the events and the spread of fake news to incite violence in the society resulting into impulsive actions by the public.

Measures to prevent mob-lynching:

• A national law is required in response to the spate of lynching incidents happening in the country.
• The state governments shall designate a senior police officer in each district for taking measures to prevent incidents of mob violence and lynching.
• The state governments shall immediately identify districts, sub-divisions, and villages where instances of lynching and mob violence have been reported in the recent past.
• Central and the state governments should broadcast on radio and television and other media platforms including that lynching and mob violence shall invite serious consequence.
• Curb and stop the dissemination of irresponsible and explosive messages, videos and other material on various social media platforms.
• Indian community should be sensitised towards the rights of other citizens and danger of mob crimes for social cohesion. Awareness campaigns are needed to sensitise people about the plight of others.

There is a need for separate legislation and strict implementation procedures to curb the attacks and punish the wrongdoers. Due to the increasing dissemination of fake news, there is a need for stronger regulation over the use of social media and apps.